Page 2 - BPW-UK - E-news - Edition 119 - February 2024 with Registration Flyer

Our BPW Ukraine sisters had an awful journey out, but then they left a war zone as
they travelled via Kyiv on a train to Warsaw. The sirens went off numerous times, meaning
they had to take refuge in cold bomb shelters while waiting on connections. This meant
they fell ill in Sofia, with bronchitis, not ideal when you are away from home. Lots of tales,
not stories, as it is real life, were shared, many tears, hugs, and a feeling of gratitude for
the peace I have at home. But the biggest message they asked me to share from Ukraine
was one of thankfulness to have fellow BPW Members helping them at this time. No one
wants to be forgotten about, and I happily assured them that through the IFBPW Twinning
project we are sharing, we will be working together for some time yet. They have invited
us all to visit Chernihiv, and I am sure like me you will want to as soon as peace has
resumed.

On my return I travelled to Redruth in Cornwall for the service celebrating PNP
Stella Rules life, the Chapel was full to the sides, standing room only. The Minister began
by saying “What does a good woman look like?” He pointed at the photo of Stella smiling,
we all completely agreed with him. Stella has been a great support to me in the last few
years, and I have enjoyed our chats over a pot of tea in her home, learning more about
our BPW history through her. Later in the newsletter you will be able to read more about
PNP Stella Rule, as I have asked someone who knew her well to write a eulogy, her friend
of 50 years, PIP Sylvia Perry. The family have a live web link for anyone to leave tributes
and memories of Stella, if you would like to add one, please follow this link:
https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/rule/5169265.

Although we knew her as Stella, her full name is Emily Stella Rule, but an advocate
for all is a good name for her as well. I will miss receiving her lovely cards and phone
calls, but I hope to maintain a link with Stella’s family, which she was extremely proud of.
Thank you to Rachel Plummer, Stella’s great-niece, for sharing these photographs with us,
ones that we will hold dear in the BPW UK archive.

It is just left for me to say that I look for-
ward to sharing a pot of tea with as many of you
as possible at our Conference 2024. Stella taught
me that advocacy gives you a voice, so let’s talk
and look to the future together.

Jo Kinsey, President BPW UK
Anti-Human Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation

BPW International Taskforce member
Tel: +44 7834 635601
Email: president@bpwuk.org.uk
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jo-kinsey-180b50144

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BPW UK Office:

74 Fairfield Rise, Billericay,
Essex CM12 9NU Photo of Godrevy beach in Cornwall
Tel: +44 1277 623867 https://www.visitcornwall.com/things

E-mail: hq@bpwuk.org.uk . -to-do/beaches/godrevy-beach.